kaelynangelfoot

A quilt sandwich is typically three layers - the top pieced "quilt" (bread), the batting in the middle (peanut butter), and the backing (more bread).

Backing can be just about any type of material, but I like to use cotton fabric because I piece my quilts with cotton. You could also use flannel backing, muslin, or other fabrics. Check the link below for basics. Starting with step 19 will show you how to sandwich and quilt.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-...-101/?ALLSTEPS

Kooklabell

The backing material (underside) should be 100% cotton. You can find wide material made for backing a quilt or muslin. That way the back is one piece. The batting could be wool or cotton. If you have a JoAnn's nearby, I'm sure they can point you to the batting and the materials for your backing.

You mom is a very lucky woman. She raised a very good son.

If you don't mind me asking, where are you located?

CarolynMT

um, the underside is called "backing" and you can use anything you want, I would probably go for a nice cotton or even a flannel for a truly snuggly quilt.

With respect to the batting, you can use batting, fleece, or even a piece of flannel. Personally, I would use a cotton batting with scrim, this will help stabilize the thinner fabrics. I might even be inclined to use flannel for the back, just to add a little strength but cotton will work just as well.

So what you need is to finish the top, then measure it. Your backing will need to be 2-3 inches bigger than the top all the way around, and your batting should be as well, it will draw up some when you quilt it so you need a little room to play there.

Stitch in the ditch is basically a straight stitch along the seam lines. Most battings require between 3-10inches between quilting lines (in all directions) in order to prevent the batting from shifting (like you get with old cheap comforters ) With cotton battings with scrim, I believe most of them are 8ins between quilting lines. Which will work nicely.

Now, if I was doing this, I would chose the 2nd top you posted, and do pinwheels, one fabric being one I like, another one that my mom would like. Then I would add a 3in border to finish it off.

For the quilting, I would stitch 1/4 inch away from every seam line. In the center part where your gran's piece is, it will look almost like a plaid. the pinwheels, I would use the serpentine stitch (the one that looks like an S) and stitch 1/4in away from the seams, this will give a little movement to those blocks.

For the borders (the one there now and the one you add) I would just quilt straight lines about the same distance apart as the center part's squares (looks like 6ins) This will also stabilize the batting in those long "tubes" that will be created. you can get creative here if you have the time and patience, use different decorative stitches. I would use the same color thread as the solid border on them now (Navy?) you just want it to hold things together not take the focus.

Good Luck, and please come back and show us what it looks like completed

Nammie to 7

Your Mom will be so surprised and pleased with your project! It is truly a labor of love. You might try to find a quilt shop in your area. They can offer their expertise and help you finish your project.

qltgrose

I suggest that you take what you have to a local quilt shop for advice and possibly a lesson or two for you to help you on your way. What a sweet son your mom has! I am sure this is just the start of many projects, it doesnt take much to get you hooked on quilting!

JustAbitCrazy

My first thought was to preserve them by framing them, especially since you said the fabrics are thin. Since they've already been used, with more use they may start to tear and I don't think you want them ruined. They are kind of large for framing, though---you need to have a large wall space for that. The first one wouldn't look right cut in half, but the second one could actually be cut in half and each half framed, so two different people could each have one for a momento. I really like ManiacQuilter's idea of including photos, maybe some of Grandma's jewelry, a lacy handkerchief that was hers, etc. inside with the quilt pieces.

Peckish

TOTALLY agree with this. And I think the rest of CarolynMT's advice is spot-on, also.

#1piecemaker

What she said!!! I think you have a wonderful idea and I'm sure your mom will love it!! Take a hankie or a box of Kleenex with you when you give it to her!

klaws

What a great idea. Please post a picture when it is complete.

jbj137

*** Welcome & good luck with your project.
*** It will mean a lot to your Mom.

I would use the (1.) stabilizer and yes,
you will need a (2.) batting for the middle,
and a (3.) back (this will be 3 layers).